Costa Rica backs nuclear ban

February 14, 2013

11 February 2013

Costa Rican president Laura Chinchilla today signed a letter of support to ICAN for a global ban on nuclear weapons. At a ceremony held at her official residence, President Chinchilla received 1,000 paper cranes made by students from Hiroshima and the UN University for Peace in San José – a symbol of support for a nuclear-weapon-free world.

“Peace cannot be only the subject of prayers for some people; it is the most natural human asset we have,” the president said at the ceremony upon accepting the gift of peace. “These beautiful cranes made by hands full of the hope of many young people will be able to spread their wings to more countries every day,” she added.

In addition to President Chinchilla, officials present at the ceremony included the Costa Rican foreign minister and communications minister, parliamentarians past and present, and the ambassadors of Japan, France and Russia. Ms Ishii and other campaigners involved in the initiative have hailed the event at the presidential house as a major success.